Sesto San Giovanni public space strategy to unforeseen emergencies after COVID-19 experience

This paper delves into the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sesto San Giovanni, a municipality in the Milan metropolitan area. Through a comprehensive analysis, it explores the challenges confronted by local commercial enterprises, and how the cities responded to the pandemic challenges by instituting extraordinary measures for the use of public spaces, revitalizing commercial sectors, and adopting new coping mechanisms. The pandemic highlighted the strategic importance of the relationship between public spaces and commercial activities as critical infrastructures for societal well-being and resilience. The integration of outdoor amenities such as dehors and parklets into urban redevelopment plans has enhanced economic vitality and social cohesion, fostering a vibrant and interconnected urban environment.